# censured

/ˈsɛnʃɝd/ (US) · /sˈɛnʃəd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/censured
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

to criticize someone in a strong and official way because they did something wrong. You use this when a group with authority says a person's behaviour was unacceptable.

For teachers: to express severe official disapproval of a person or action, often through a formal statement or vote.

## Examples

- The council has censured the mayor for lying.
- After the investigation, the ethics committee censured the senator for using public money for travel.
- Although the parliament censured the minister for misleading the public, the motion carried no legal penalty and served mainly as a formal expression of disapproval.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.